Description
A refreshing and crisp Chinese cucumber salad with a tangy garlic and sesame dressing. This easy salad is perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Gently smash each cucumber with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until it cracks.
- Cut the smashed cucumbers into rustic chunks, leaving some uneven edges.
- Sprinkle cucumbers with salt and place them in a colander for 10 minutes to release excess water.
- While cucumbers drain, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Pat the drained cucumbers dry with paper towels.
- Transfer the cucumbers to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared dressing over them.
- Toss gently until all cucumber pieces are evenly coated.
- Add chopped cilantro and black pepper, mixing lightly.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add fresh chili slices or chili oil.
- Honey can be used instead of sugar for a sweeter taste.
- Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add a nice texture.
- Tamari or coconut aminos can be substituted for soy sauce.
- Add thin slices of scallion or mint leaves for extra freshness.
- Consider adding carrots or radishes for more crunch and color.
- For a complete meal, serve with soba noodles or steamed rice.
- Keep cucumbers and dressing separate if preparing in advance to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Smashing and Dressing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 75-85
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: N/A
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